HUD Issues Notice on State Supplementary Payments (SSP)
Generally, the maximum Federal SSI benefit changes yearly. SSI benefits will automatically increase in 2014 because there was an increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2012 to the third quarter of 2013. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the Federal benefit rate is $721 for an individual and $1,082 for a couple.
Some States, including New York, supplement the Federal SSI benefit with additional payments. This makes the total SSI benefit levels higher in those States. SSI benefit amounts and State supplemental payment amounts vary based upon your income, living arrangements, and other factors.
As LeadingAge NY reported earlier in the year, New York State is working towards taking over administration of the state portion of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit on Oct. 1, 2014. This means that SSI recipients will receive two payments, rather than one payment each month. The total amount of the monthly benefit will not change.
Below is an announcement posted on Sept. 29 on the HUD Rental Housing Integrity Improvement Project (RHIIP) Listserv:
“Multifamily Housing has recently been informed that some states no longer have their State Supplementary Payments (SSP), which supplement the Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Because of this, SSA has advised they are not able to maintain any information about SSP in the states identified in their table below. The new protocol affects the income amounts provided by SSA to HUD and displayed in the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) System. In order to verify the payment in states administering SSP, verification can be obtained by the tenant from the state office and as outlined in Chapter 5 and Appendix 3 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1. As explained in Chapter 5 of HUD Handbook 4350.3, REV-1, the verification must be provided within 120 days of the certification date and must not be older than 120 days from the date provided to the owner.
If the above causes a discrepancy in the EIV system, note the reason for the discrepancy and place in the tenant file.
The below information and tables can be found on SSA’s website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-benefits-ussi.htm.”
Why the change? The SSI benefit is comprised of both a federal contribution and a state contribution, referred to as the State Supplement Program (SSP). Historically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administered both the state and federal contribution, but the State determined that there would be savings in administering the SSP directly. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will assume this responsibility.
On Aug. 4, 2014, OTDA began mailing letters notifying SSI/SSP recipients of this change. These letters were being mailed on a staggered basis through mid-August. For your convenience, OTDA has provided us with a copy of the letters sent to SSI recipients.
Click here to view the letter sent to those receiving both the federal and state benefit. Some are eligible only for the state benefit; click here to view the sample letter for those individuals. Lastly, click here for a summary of the changes issued by OTDA.
A separate notice from SSA (the federal government agency) was sent to these same recipients later this month. LeadingAge NY members that serve SSI recipients should be aware of the change and cognizant of the fact consumers will be experiencing this new payment structure this week. Some may have questions or be concerned about the status of their benefit, and we are hoping that your understanding of the matter will allay concerns.
The SSP Customer Support Center has been established and is available to assist recipients and other stakeholders. The toll-free number, 1-855-488-0541, will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. All inquiries should be directed to the toll-free number. More information about the New York State Supplement Program and the transition from federal to State administration can be found here.
LeadingAge NY has worked closely with OTDA and DOH on this matter. They have extended themselves to us to ensure a smooth transition for beneficiaries, and we appreciate their efforts. Click here to access the recording of an audio program they provided for our members earlier this year.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828; or Ken Harris, kharris@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8835